Hot Topics:

Executing a networking game plan

The Lowell Sun

Updated:
04/27/2013 04:00:07 PM EDT

By Ed Adamowicz

The theme of this column will be networking and the preparation thereof. This week I shall provide some of the "how to's" involved in a successful career-search networking campaign. Again, I'll mention that the number-one method for obtaining your next logical career opportunity continues to be networking. And for most people, it's a learned skill.

While preparing for the action portion of the program one needs to noodle the particulars required to carry out the plan. So based on your goals and aspirations, what type of information do you need to attract to attain your goals quickly and enjoyably? Write it down. Then, based on the information you need and/or goals you seek to achieve, what type of people do you need to contact?

Next, list your personal contacts, friends, relatives, neighbors, etc. Include names, phone numbers, email addresses and the value of your relationship or, more specifically, the purpose of your need to speak with them (introduction to John Smith at XYZ Company). The effort on your behalf will evolve into a "Rolodex" of networking contacts.

Do the same with your social contacts. These would be social acquaintances, social-club members, church/synagogue members, community contacts, etc. Then list your professional contacts -- business/professionals, chamber of commerce/business association members, etc.

Before you launch, it would behoove you to brainstorm for other contacts you may have missed or left out. Think about former teachers, college professors or classmates.

Advertisement

How about some vendors with whom you've done business in the past? Maybe attorneys, accountants or other professionals. And don't forget about bankers, stockbrokers or business leaders. It's possible that business or trade association members, former bosses, peers or associates could help. You may know nonprofit executives, political or community leaders and even retired executives. That's quite a number of possible contacts if you've a mindset to leave no stone unturned.

Now that you're ready to "get after it" there are three ways to approach a networking contact. Sun readers asked for specifics, so here are examples of all three. Good hunting.

In person

1.) Good morning, David, my name is Sandy Crane. It's a pleasure to meet you this morning at this chamber breakfast. 2.) Imagine, while we are here enjoying this function, the rest of the world is sleeping -- missing this exciting opportunity. I see from your name tag that you work for Philips & Associates as vice president of data processing. How long have you been with them? (Response from David) 3.) I was the IS manager for Franklin Enterprises until they were bought out by Stone and Company last month. My specialty is leadership in developing software technologies to significantly track revenue, reduce costs and enhance sales performance. 4.) I was wondering if I might take one of your business cards and give you a call next week. Quite possibly, you might be able to share some valuable information that would assist me in securing a new position. 5.) And if you have time to be my guest over lunch, that would give me the opportunity of thanking you for your time and valuable input. (David provides a business card) 6.) Is it better to call you the first of the week or middle of the week?

By telephone

1.) Good morning, David, my name is Sandy Crane -- Tom Stevens suggested I call you. I understand that you two were golfing partners at the American Heart Association's Mega Fundraiser. 2.) I too attended that event. I am sad to say my partner and I did not fare very well (short laugh) but am happy to have contributed to such a worthy cause. 3.) The purpose of my call is to see if you might be able to spend 15-20 minutes with me sometime next week. I was the IS manager for Franklin Enterprises until they were bought out by Stone and Company last month. My specialty is developing software technologies to significantly track revenue, reduce costs and enhance sales performance. Quite possibly, you might be able to share some valuable information that would assist me in securing a new position. 5.) And if you have time to be my guest over lunch, that would give me the opportunity of thanking you for your time and valuable input. (David agrees) 6.) Is it better to meet with you the first of the week or middle of the week?

By letter/email

1.) Dear Mr. Harding: My name is Sandy Crane -- Tom Stevens suggested I contact you. I understand that you two were golfing partners at the American Heart Association's Mega fundraiser. I too attended that event -- and am sad to say my partner and I did not fare very well, but am happy to have contributed to such a worthy cause. 2.) The purpose of this correspondence is to see if you might be able to spend 15-20 minutes with me sometime next week. I was the IS Manager for Franklin Enterprises until they were bought out by Stone and Company last month. My specialty is developing software technologies to significantly track revenue, reduce costs, and enhance sales performance. Quite possibly, you might be able to share some valuable information that would assist me in securing a new position. 3.) And if you have time to be my guest over lunch, that would give me the opportunity of thanking you for your time and valuable input. 4.) Based on your schedule, would it be better to meet with you the first of the week or middle of the week? Please expect my telephone call in the next day or so in order to arrange such a meeting. Sincerely, Sandy Crane

Remember polite, professional yet assertive and persistent will win the day.

Ed Adamowicz, CPCC, is founder and chairman of Encore Career Consultants (www.encore-careers.com), a Boxboro-based provider of career coaching, resume writing, interview training and corporate consulting. Readers are invited to submit questions via email to eadamowicz@encore-careers.com

Welcome to your discussion forum: Sign in with a Disqus account or your social networking account for your comment to be posted immediately, provided it meets the guidelines. (READ HOW.)
Comments made here are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; these comments do not reflect the opinion of The Sun. So keep it civil.